The Use of Nuclear Weapons

The American Physical Society is deeply concerned about the possible use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and for pre-emptive counter-proliferation purposes.

Nuclear weapons have not been used for more than 70 years, reflecting a widespread appreciation of the grave human costs and political and moral consequences of crossing the nuclear threshold. Whenever Congress or the Administration propose changes to the nation’s nuclear posture, the American Physical Society urges a prompt, full and informed public debate about the circumstances under which the United States might use or threaten to use nuclear weapons, and the consequences for the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The American Physical Society notes that any policy by the United States to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states threatens to undermine the Non-Proliferation Treaty regime.